About Spokenforks

Spokenforks aims to be an insightful blog for those wishing to gain a firmer grasp on the world of racing; doing so without swamping readers with history and terminology. Currently focusing upon the previewing and analysis of major races, Spokenforks is soon to expand with interviews from domestic and international riders – as well as live reports from the roadside. If you have any questions about the sport, from race winning strategy to what the riders have for breakfast – please get in touch. The more feedback received, the greater Spokenforks can be tailored towards your tastes as they become clearer. Spreading Spokenforks through sharing the site goes to attract further attention; helping secure press passes and exclusive interviews with top names at major races – Thank you.
For further information, please contact Spokenforks at – editor@spokenforks.com

Purchase Spokenforks Official Kit

Summer 2015 sees the release of the first limited edition run of official Spokenforks apparel; the result of a collaboration with professional kit manufacturer Kalas. Available in both Men’s and Women’s cuts, the jersey is constructed from fabric which utilises carbon fibre to create a more lightweight and aerodynamic surface. With elongated sleeves and mesh panelling in key areas, Kalas ensures comfort and performance is guaranteed whenever working hard on the bike. Other features included on the limited edition jersey are a three-compartment rear pocket, full length concealed zipper providing continuity of design and an inner removable water-proof pocket to keep your valuables safe.
For more information regarding the Spokenforks kit, including how to order yours, please click on the sidebar to the left.

Independent Cycling Race Previews

Giro d’Italia 2016 – Stage 4 Preview

SLoCourse:

The 2016 Giro d’Italia’s first foray into Italian territory takes the form of a 200km trip from Catanzaro to Praia a Mare, poised to be a hectic finale. The second half of this race looks set to shatter the ambitions of the pure sprinters, though many of the more versatile strongmen could mount a convincing challenge and take the win here instead. For many, the major challenge to overcome are the ascents of Bonifati, San Pietro and Via del Fortino late on in the race; the last of which includes ramps hovering around 18%.

Contenders:

Giacomo Nizzolo has been one of the strongest climbers amongst the quick-men in recent years and is likely to fancy his chances of taking his first ever grand tour stage win at 2016’s Giro d’Italia. His recent showings demonstrated a greater turn of speed than we have previously seen from him in the sprints when beating the likes of Mark Cavendish in Croatia, making him the likely favourite in a reduced sprint which lacks the powerhouse that is Marcel Kittel.

Sonny Colbrelli enjoyed a relatively successful Spring campaign which showed his return to strength after a 2015 season hampered by poor health. Colbrelli seems to flourish in the face of an attritional race, and with so many late climbs to test the legs, it is easy to see him turning in a good showing here. A strong tempo which drops his faster rivals will do him huge favours on Stage 4, leaving him the fastest man left in a sprint.

Matteo Trentin is the perfect alternative for Etixx-Quick Step to secure glory despite their expected loss of the maglia rosa, as Marcel Kittel is not anticipated to stay in touch over the final decisive climbs. Trentin has form for winning on these tricky intermediate stages, possessing similarly styled staged wins at Tour du Romandie and Le Tour de France for example. He is a dangerous man amongst any elite group and will need serious marshalling to reduce his odds of winning here.

Luka Mezgec is an interesting watch for Stage 4, the Slovenian rider has great form for winning from a reduced sprint, though may lack the support today. Mezgec has recently moved to Orica-GreenEDGE and potentially misses the team commitment required to really dominate on a day such as this. Depending on the condition of teammate Caleb Ewan, Mezgec may find his efforts somewhat hamstrung here unfortunately.

Kristian Sbaragli and Arnaud Démare are two riders who often lack the ability to string together a convincing run of form in order to contest a day such as this, but if today does prove to be an on form stage of the Giro, then they are a danger to anyone’s ambitions after surviving the late ascents.

In regards to a late breakaway move lasting all the way to the line as a result of a poorly organised chase, Gianluca Brambilla will be a threat along with Tim Wellens, while a wildcard sprinter worth remembering is Movistar’s José Joaquín Rojas.